The Crabtree Meadows Campground not only offers a perfect jumping off point to explore Linville Gorge and the Black Mountains, it also has a nice 3.0 mile loop to the beautiful Crabtree Falls. Although this loop has a few steep spots of stairs and switchbacks, this should be manageable for all types of hikers with a little determination.

You can choose to hike the full loop or take the shortest route to the waterfall and back. Once you reach the base of Crabtree Falls you’ll want to stay a while. The waterfall slides 20 feet before falling 50 feet over many small ledges into a narrow plunge pool hidden from the trail. The view is beautiful from the bridge, but it is easy to explore both sides of the waterfall. Since this hike is short you may consider combining it with another waterfall in the area like Linville Falls for a perfect day trip.

Parking Note: If the campground is open you can park at the hikers parking lot beside the trail head. This will make the hike only 2.5 miles.